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McMahan VM, Atkins DL, Buckler S, Violette LR, Niemann L, Frank N, Kimiam Waters, Herrera Perales LE, Viquez L, Tung E, Stekler JD. Challenges recruiting and retaining people at risk for HIV who use methamphetamine in a randomized PrEP adherence trial in Seattle, WA. Int J STD AIDS 2024; 35:635-643. [PMID: 38630433 DOI: 10.1177/09564624241244835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methamphetamine is associated with increased HIV risk and suboptimal adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Interventions to support PrEP adherence for people who use methamphetamine are needed. METHODS We evaluated peer navigation to support adherence among people initiating PrEP who use methamphetamine. The HIV Prevention in Methamphetamine Users (HMU!) study enrolled participants from May 2018-January 2022 in Seattle, WA, and followed them for 6 months. Surveys collected sociodemographic, drug use, and sexual behavior data at enrollment, month 3, and month 6. Dried blood spots (DBS) were collected at months 1, 3, and 6 to measure PrEP adherence. RESULTS We enrolled 21 participants of a target sample of 40, of whom 20 were prescribed PrEP. Nine participants (43%) received peer navigation and 12 (57%) received standard of care or text messaging. At baseline, most participants reported at least weekly methamphetamine use (17, 81%) and condomless receptive anal intercourse (CRAI) (16, 76%). One-third reported CRAI with a partner with HIV. Among those who provided a DBS, 78% and 50% had results commensurate with ≥4 pills/week at the month 3 and 6 visit, respectively. More than half of those prescribed PrEP completed a month 6 visit (11, 55%). Retention was not associated with peer support compared to standard of care or text messaging (p = .20). CONCLUSIONS We enrolled half our target sample size despite extensive recruitment efforts. As expected, participants had challenges with PrEP adherence and persistence. While peer navigation interventions should be studied further, additional interventions are likely needed to support PrEP uptake, adherence, and persistence among people who use methamphetamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa M McMahan
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Dana L Atkins
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Smitty Buckler
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lauren R Violette
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lisa Niemann
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Noah Frank
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kimiam Waters
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Luis Viquez
- Seattle's LGBTQ+ Center (formerly Gay City), Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elyse Tung
- Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joanne D Stekler
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Forchuk C, Serrato J, Scott L. Perceptions of stigma among people with lived experience of methamphetamine use within the hospital setting: qualitative point-in-time interviews and thematic analyses of experiences. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1279477. [PMID: 38414902 PMCID: PMC10896942 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1279477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives As part of a larger mixed-methods study into harm reduction in the hospital setting and people with lived experience of methamphetamine use, stigma was found to be a prominent issue. The aim of this secondary analysis was to investigate the issue of stigma. Design Participants completed a one-time qualitative interview component to assess their experiences in the hospital setting. Setting The study setting included secondary and tertiary care in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Participants who had received care from these settings were also recruited from an overdose prevention site, a primary healthcare center, a national mental health organization, an affordable housing agency, and six homeless-serving agencies between October 2020 and April 2021. Participants A total of 104 individuals completed the qualitative component of a mixed-methods interview. Sixty-seven participants identified as male, thirty-six identified as female, and one identified as non-binary. Inclusion criteria included past or current use of methamphetamine, having received services from a hospital, and being able to communicate in English. Methods Open-ended questions regarding experiences in the hospital setting were asked in relation to the lived experience of methamphetamine. A secondary analysis was conducted post-hoc using a thematic ethnographic approach due to prominent perceptions of stigma. Results Three themes were identified. The first theme identified that substance use was perceived as a moral and personal choice; the second theme pertained to social stigmas such as income, housing and substance use, and consequences such as being shunned or feeling less worthy than the general patient population; and the third theme highlighted health consequences such as inadequate treatment or pain management. Conclusion This study revealed that stigma can have consequences that extend beyond the therapeutic relationship and into the healthcare of the individual. Additional training and education for healthcare providers represents a key intervention to ensure care is non-stigmatizing and patient-centered, as well as changing hospital culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Forchuk
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Leanne Scott
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Frank N, McMahan VM, Violette LR, Martin A, Glick SN, Stekler JD. Efficient Expansion of a Behavioral Survey to Assess Sex, Gender, and Behavioral Risk Among Transgender and Nonbinary Individuals: HMU! ( HIV Prevention for Methamphetamine Users). Transgend Health 2023; 8:472-476. [PMID: 37810934 PMCID: PMC10551755 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2021.0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgender and gender nonbinary (TGNB) individuals are at high risk for HIV acquisition. However, TGNB individuals are often excluded from research and public health surveillance, both as participants and as reported sexual partners. This research study aimed to be inclusive, correctly classify TGNB participants, and accurately describe sex partners and sexual activity of participants to assess HIV risk while minimizing participant burden. The adaptation of survey questions designed for cisgender men to include TGNB participants and partners was feasible and relatively straightforward. However, additional work is still needed in this area to increase inclusivity and research participation by TGNB individuals. Clinical Trial Registration Number - NCT03584282.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Frank
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- HIV/STD Program, Public Health—Seattle and King County, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Vanessa M. McMahan
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lauren R. Violette
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Aleks Martin
- HIV/STD Program, Public Health—Seattle and King County, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sara N. Glick
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- HIV/STD Program, Public Health—Seattle and King County, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Joanne D. Stekler
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Calabrese SK, Kalwicz DA, Modrakovic D, Earnshaw VA, Edelman EJ, Bunting SR, Del Río-González AM, Magnus M, Mayer KH, Hansen NB, Kershaw TS, Rosenberger JG, Krakower DS, Dovidio JF. An Experimental Study of the Effects of Patient Race, Sexual Orientation, and Injection Drug Use on Providers' PrEP-Related Clinical Judgments. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:1393-1421. [PMID: 34750695 PMCID: PMC9434708 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03495-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Social biases may influence providers' judgments related to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and patients' consequent PrEP access. US primary and HIV care providers (n = 370) completed an experimental survey. Each provider reviewed one fictitious medical record of a patient seeking PrEP. Records varied by patient race (Black or White) and risk behavior (man who has sex with men [MSM], has sex with women [MSW], or injects drugs [MID]). Providers reported clinical judgments and completed measures of prejudice. Minimal evidence of racially biased judgments emerged. Providers expressing low-to-moderate sexual prejudice judged the MSM as more likely than the MSW to adhere to PrEP, which was associated with greater PrEP prescribing intention; sexual prejudice was negatively associated with anticipated MSM adherence. Providers judged the MID to be at higher risk, less likely to adhere, less safety-conscious, and less responsible than both the MSM and MSW; adverse adherence and responsibility judgments were associated with lower prescribing intention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Calabrese
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, 2125 G Street NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - David A Kalwicz
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, 2125 G Street NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Djordje Modrakovic
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, 2125 G Street NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Valerie A Earnshaw
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - E Jennifer Edelman
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Samuel R Bunting
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ana María Del Río-González
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, 2125 G Street NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Manya Magnus
- Department of Epidemiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nathan B Hansen
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Trace S Kershaw
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joshua G Rosenberger
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Douglas S Krakower
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John F Dovidio
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Muhindo R, Mujugira A, Castelnuovo B, Sewankambo NK, Parkes-Ratanshi R, Kiguli J, Tumwesigye NM, Nakku-Joloba E. Text message reminders and peer education increase HIV and Syphilis testing among female sex workers: a pilot quasi-experimental study in Uganda. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:436. [PMID: 33962611 PMCID: PMC8103763 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06461-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, female sex workers (FSW) are disproportionately affected by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, uptake of STI and HIV testing services among FSW in sub-Saharan Africa remains low. We aimed to assess the effect of FSW-led peer education and text message reminders on 3-monthly syphilis and HIV testing among FSW in Uganda. METHODS Between September 2019 and February 2020, we implemented weekly peer education sessions and bi-monthly SMS reminders for FSW in Mbarara (intervention city). Peer education sessions were implemented by 20 FSW, who received five days of basic training as peer educators. We held monthly meetings with peer educators throughout the six-month implementation period. FSW in Mbale (control city) continued to receive standard of care consisting of HIV testing outreach campaigns, and facility-based testing. Using a quasi-experimental design in one intervention city, and one control city, we conducted pre- and post- questionnaire-based surveys on recent syphilis and HIV testing behavior among FSW in July-October 2018, and March 2020. We compared proportions and prevalence ratios at baseline and follow-up using chi-square tests and negative binomial regression. RESULTS We conducted 436 interviews (200 before/236 after) with FSW. At baseline similar proportions reported taking an HIV test (57 % vs. 54 %; p = 0.72), and a syphilis serology test (35 % vs. 39 %; p = 0.67) in the intervention and control cities, respectively, in the prior three months. After the intervention, this proportion increased to 82 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 74.0-88.2) for HIV, and 81 % (95 % CI: 73.0-87.0) for syphilis in the intervention city. Relative to baseline in the control city, the proportion testing for HIV was unchanged (52 %) but decreased for syphilis (26 %). CONCLUSIONS Bi-monthly text message reminders with weekly peer education sessions increased uptake of 3-monthly syphilis and HIV testing in a Ugandan female sex work population and could help increase sex worker engagement in HIV/STI services in line with World Health Organization recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Muhindo
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Andrew Mujugira
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Barbara Castelnuovo
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nelson K Sewankambo
- School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rosalind Parkes-Ratanshi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Cambridge Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Juliet Kiguli
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Edith Nakku-Joloba
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Iniesta C, Coll P, Barberá MJ, García Deltoro M, Camino X, Fagúndez G, Díaz A, Polo R. Implementation of pre-exposure prophylaxis programme in Spain. Feasibility of four different delivery models. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246129. [PMID: 33556085 PMCID: PMC7870089 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective and cost-effective strategy for HIV prevention. Spain carried out an implementation study in order to assess the feasibility of implementing PrEP programmes within its heterogeneous health system. METHODS Observational longitudinal study conducted on four different types of health-care setting: a community centre (CC), a sexually transmitted infections clinic (STIC), a hospital-based HIV unit (HBHIVU) and a hospital-based STI unit (HBSTIU). We recruited gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBSM) and transgender women at risk of HIV infections, gave them PrEP and monitored clinical, behavioural PrEP-related and satisfaction information for 52 weeks. We collected perceptions on PrEP implementation feasibility from health-care professionals participating in the study. RESULTS A total of 321 participants were recruited, with 99.1% being GBMSM. Overall retention was 87.2% and it was highest at the CC (92.6%). Condom use decreased during the study period, while STIs did not increase consistently. The percentage of people who did not miss any doses of PrEP during the previous week remained at over 93%. No HIV seroconversions occurred. We observed overall decreases in GHB (32.5% to 21.8%), cocaine (27.5% to 21.4%), MDMA (25.7% to 14.3%), speed (11.4% to 5.7%) and mephedrone use (10.7% to 5.0%). The overall participant satisfaction with PrEP was 98.6%. Health-care professionals' perceptions of PrEP feasibility were positive, except for the lack of personnel. CONCLUSIONS PrEP implementation is feasible in four types of health-care settings. Local specificities have to be taken into consideration while implementing PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Iniesta
- Spanish HIV/AIDS Research Network, National Centre of Epidemiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- National AIDS Programme, Ministry of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pep Coll
- BCN Checkpoint, Barcelona, España
| | - María Jesús Barberá
- STI Unit Vall d´Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel García Deltoro
- Infectious Disease Service, Consortium General University Hospital of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Xabier Camino
- Infectious Disease Service, University Hospital of Donostia, San Sebastian, Spain
| | | | - Asunción Díaz
- HIV and STI Surveillance Unit, National Centre of Epidemiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Polo
- National AIDS Programme, Ministry of Health, Madrid, Spain
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McMahan VM, Frank N, Buckler S, Violette LR, Baeten JM, Banta-Green CJ, Barnabas RV, Simoni J, Stekler JD. Protocol Development for HMU! (HIV Prevention for Methamphetamine Users), a Study of Peer Navigation and Text Messaging to Promote Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Adherence and Persistence Among People Who Use Methamphetamine: Qualitative Focus Group and Interview Study. JMIR Form Res 2020; 4:e18118. [PMID: 32924952 PMCID: PMC7522731 DOI: 10.2196/18118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people (TGP) who use methamphetamine are disproportionately impacted by HIV acquisition. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective at preventing HIV, and interventions that support PrEP persistence and adherence should be evaluated among MSM and TGP who use methamphetamine. OBJECTIVE We conducted formative work to inform the development of text messaging and peer navigation interventions to support PrEP persistence and adherence among MSM and TGP who use methamphetamine. In this paper, we describe how the findings from these focus groups and interviews were used to refine the study interventions and protocol for the Hit Me Up! study (HMU!; HIV Prevention in Methamphetamine Users). METHODS Between October 2017 and March 2018, we conducted two focus groups and three in-depth interviews with MSM and TGP who use methamphetamine or who have worked with people who use methamphetamine. During these formative activities, we asked participants about their opinions on the proposed interventions, education and recruitment materials, and study design. We focused on how we could develop peer navigation and text messaging interventions that would be culturally appropriate and acceptable to MSM and TGP who use methamphetamine. Transcripts were reviewed by two authors who performed a retrospective content analysis to describe which specific opinions and recommendations influenced protocol development and the refinement of the interventions. RESULTS Overall, participants thought that MSM and TGP would be interested in participating in the study, although they expected recruitment and retention to be challenging. Participants thought that the peer navigator should be someone who is nonjudgmental, has experience with people who use methamphetamine, and is patient and flexible. There was consensus that three text messages per day were appropriate, adherence reminders should be straightforward, all messages should be nonjudgmental, and participants should be able to tailor the timing and content of the text messages. These suggestions were incorporated into the study interventions via the hiring and training process and into the development of the text library, platform selection, and customizability of messages. CONCLUSIONS It is important to include the opinions and insights of populations most impacted by HIV to develop PrEP interventions with the greatest chance of success. Our formative work generated several recommendations that were incorporated into the interventions and protocol development for our ongoing study. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03584282; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03584282.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa M McMahan
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, Center on Substance Use and Health, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Noah Frank
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, Center on Substance Use and Health, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Smitty Buckler
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, Center on Substance Use and Health, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Lauren R Violette
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, Center on Substance Use and Health, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jared M Baeten
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, Center on Substance Use and Health, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Caleb J Banta-Green
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ruanne V Barnabas
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jane Simoni
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Joanne D Stekler
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, Center on Substance Use and Health, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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